In-situ self-assembled block copolymer nanowires on high-modulus carbon fibers surface for enhanced interfacial performance of CFRPs

Conventional surface modifications of high-performance carbon fibers rely on introducing reactive functional groups on inert fibers surface, implying either harsh chemical oxidation or highly energetic radiations, which may cause damage to the bulk structure of fibers. Here, we demonstrate a bottom-up reinforcement strategy that allows the construction of self-assembled block copolymer nanowires (NWs) at the interface of high-modulus carbon fibers (HMCFs) epoxy composites based on it-it interaction and hydrogen bonding. The process causes no damage to the structure of HMCFs and only requires one step to achieve the in-situ formation of NWs on the surface of HMCFs under mild conditions. The micro-debonding test and the transverse fiber bundle (TFB) test show that the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and the TFB bonding strength of the composites significantly increase, indicating that the self-assembled NWs on HMCFs effectively strengthen the adhesion between HMCFs and epoxy matrix. Overall, this study provides a non-covalent and entirely polymer-based nanomaterial enhancement idea for the interfacial modification of HMCFs reinforced polymer composites.

Automated summary

Conventional surface modifications of high-performance carbon fibers often cause damage to the fiber structure, while this study presents a bottom-up reinforcement strategy that uses self-assembled block copolymer nanowires to enhance the adhesion between fibers and epoxy matrix without damaging the fiber structure.